Police foil kidnap plot, kill 4 kidnappers in Lagos gun-battle

By Deborah Akpede

Four members of a notorious kidnap gang led by one “Ifeko”, plotting to abduct a prominent businessman in Lagos have been killed in a gun battle with police operatives in Ejigbo area of the State.

The alleged kidnappers were killed in an operation around 9:30 p.m. near Jakande Estate Gate in Ejigbo on Sunday, Lagos Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani told journalists on Tuesday at the command headquarters in Ikeja.

According to him, police operatives acted on credible intelligence received about a notorious kidnapping syndicate planning an attack in Lagos.

He said the gang was planning to abduct a prominent businessman before police operatives moved in and disrupted the operation.

Tijani said the gang usually targets wealthy businessmen and entering Lagos from other states and neighbouring countries.

According to the Police Commissioner, they were planning to abduct a popular businessman around Jakande Estate Gate in Ejigbo before operatives moved in swiftly to the scene and confronted them.

Tijani said the suspects opened fire immediately they sighted the police team, leading to a fierce gun battle.

He said police operatives responded with superior firepower, killing four gang members, while another escaped with gunshot wounds.

The commissioner said the fleeing suspect and other accomplices were being tracked by security operatives.

Tijani identified the gang leader as “Ifeko”, describing him as a notorious criminal figure with international connections.

He alleged that the suspect lived abroad and usually returned to Nigeria to coordinate kidnappings and other violent crimes.

The Police Commissioner further revealed that “Ifeko” trained one Henry, alleged leader of the billionaire kidnappers’ gang neutralised at Ladipo International Spare Parts Market in 2024.

He said intelligence showed the gang recently entered Lagos to execute another high-profile abduction before police intercepted them.

Police recovered a Toyota Sienna allegedly used by the gang, an AK-47 rifle and a submachine gun during the operation.

Recovered items also included two magazines containing 25 live rounds and another magazine loaded with 12 live rounds.

Tijani said operatives additionally recovered Toyota Corolla and Lexus vehicle keys suspected to be linked to previous crimes.

He said preliminary investigations suggested the gang had carried out similar operations across different parts of the country.

The commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to dismantling kidnapping networks and violent gangs threatening Lagos residents.

He added that a police inspector sustained a gunshot wound to his left leg during the exchange of fire.

According to him, the injured officer is receiving treatment in hospital and responding positively.

Tijani said investigations were ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspect and other accomplices connected to the syndicate.

(NAN)